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Thursday, April 1, 2010

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

April is National Poetry Month. And I'm excited!Though I've had a great deal of success in different genres of writing, some people are surprised to discover that poetry is really my "first love."I started writing as a teen, and have published (5) books to date.There's something about its realness, its simplicity, and ease of flow that I truly dig. This month, I'll be bringing to you some of the best in poetry, maybe even a few pieces penned by yours truly. :-)

Without further adieu...Here's a talented poet and friend who's taking the poetry community by storm. I bring you Henry L. Jones...

*Cabrini Red/Black/Green

Who will recognize the callingas we watch our prophets die?The silent night streetswhere only a few roamsearching for tomorrowlonging for some answersinstead a screamescapes the darknessand echoes around cornersbut it’s muffledby the thunder of gunfire.Am I still alive?

*Cabrini is a Chicago housing project.

Henry L. Jones

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Henry L. Jones is a writer and an artist who focuses on cultural and social change as a theme in his work. Run into Blackness is his first book of poetry. He’s been writing for over thirty years. As a child he’d write in journals about his experiences. Now, his poems are mostly inspired from urban experiences and Black heritage. From his dedication to writing and sharing his poetry in many communities, he’s received awards and recognitions such as an Accolade Award Medallion presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Poet Laureate, Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares. In a grassroots fashion he’s lead many creative writing workshops and open-mic nights. Published poems appeared in journals, magazines, newspapers, and some anthologies such as Blacks n Asia, Chicago Quarterly Review, Center Stage Magazine, Urban Flavor, Home Coming (book, Parthenon Museum Press), Houses of God (Gospel CD, House of Blues/Platinum Entertainment), Black Digest, Fisk Herald Journal, Vanderbilt Review and others. He lectures about the arts at schools and universities. His performances and recitals of poetry take place at cultural events, festivals and coffee houses. Jones has organized creative programs for youths and adults. He’s a Detroit, Michigan native with planted seeds in Chicago's art community. Jones, an alumnus of Fisk University, works and lives in Tennessee.

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About Me

Professional, veteran freelance writer, columnist, Pro Blogger, and "Ghost" writer with about 700 publishing credits, reflecting an array of topics, in multiple genres. My work has appeared in popular, award-winning sites and national magazines, for over a decade.
I'm the former Senior Editor of Mahogany Magazine.
I also serve on the Board of Directors of C.W.A.